Weird starting issue UPDATE

[deschutestrout]

Gus - '78 2l FI

For the past year or so...every once and a while when I turn the key, the engine turns slower than normal, and has a laboring-grinding sound and doesn't start. Turn the key again and he fires to life and runs flawlessly.

Lately, have a heck of a time getting him started. Engine is turning slower than normal...sometimes with the "grinding" sound...often without. Usually, eventually will start...this AM...nope. Battery is at 11.95 volts. Connections all look solid.

Any suggestions as to what might be going on? The slow engine turning has me puzzled. Thanks gang!

[dtrumbo]

Maybe yer starter is the motor that's turning slow. Perhaps the bearings are worn and will occasionally bind causing the slow turning and the grindy noise. Yank that puppy off and have the FLAPS giver 'er a spin.

[deschutestrout]

Finally started after being hooked to a charger for a few minutes...but 11.95...should have fired right up, no?

Dick, starter is only a couple years old (I know...may still be the issue).

[chitwnvw]

What is a normal difference?

I think you want 13.5ish with the engine on and 11.5-12.5 with the engine off.

[steve74baywin]

Perhaps the starter is going bad and takes more amps then normal, which does two things, slow downs the turning of the engine, and lowers the voltage to the ECU.

[hambone]

Timing that is set incorrectly will cause slow turnover. But no grinding.

[dtrumbo]

I agree with Steve. I KNOW for fact that the fuel injection system wants a nice healthy battery for it to work properly.

[poptop tom]

You'll need 7-9 volts to engage the starter, and 10.5 v to fire the injectors.

She should start up with 11.95.

[dingo]

What is the 'Volt drop' while cranking ? if you need procedure for checking it, i can provide

[deschutestrout]

What is the 'Volt drop' while cranking ? if you need procedure for checking it, i can provide

Hit me with it! Thanks gang! Givin' me schtuff to check

[dingo]

Disable engine so that it will not fire when cranked. Limit cranking time to 15 secs or less.

1. set Volt meter to 20 Volt.

+ lead to batt post + and -lead to batt post - . [post, not clamp or cable] crank and note reading
+ lead to battery terminal stud on starter and - lead to starter housing. crank and note reading.

both readings should be the same.

2.set volt meter to 2 Volt scale

Pos. side of circuit:
connect + lead to Batt (+) post and - lead to the battery terminal stud on the starter. While cranking, note voltage reading
should be 0.6 volts or less

Neg side of circuit:
connect meter + lead to clean spot on starter case, and meter - lead to Neg. battery post. Crank engine. should be 0.3V or less.

if any of those readings is out, we can proceed further

[Amskeptic]

Gus - '78 2l FI

For the past year or so...every once and a while when I turn the key, the engine turns slower than normal, and has a laboring-grinding sound and doesn't start. Turn the key again and he fires to life and runs flawlessly.

Lately, have a heck of a time getting him started. Engine is turning slower than normal...sometimes with the "grinding" sound...often without. Usually, eventually will start...this AM...nope. Battery is at 11.95 volts. Connections all look solid.

Any suggestions as to what might be going on? The slow engine turning has me puzzled. Thanks gang!

Low battery charge and a tired starter make a bad combination.
Colin

[hambone]

Ooo another thing, take off the connections and file 'em real shiny/purty. Connections corrode behind nuts. It can make a difference. At least give it the once over.

[deschutestrout]

why would this starter be tired after 3 years of relatively light use?

[hambone]

We are flooded with junk these days...